Meshing characteristics and fatigue life analysis of top drive gear transmission system under misalignment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To comprehensively evaluate the service performance of a top drive gear transmission system under complex operating conditions, a mathematical model of the tooth surface for profile-shifted helical gears with comprehensive modifications was derived. A three-dimensional finite element meshing model of the transmission system was developed, and the Brown–Miller–Morrow multiaxial fatigue criterion was applied to systematically investigate the effects of angular and combined misalignments in both pitch and yaw directions on the gear meshing characteristics and contact fatigue life. The results show that misalignment significantly changes the contact pattern and stress distribution of the tooth surface. In the pitch direction, the meshing state is mainly determined by the misalignment angle, while in the yaw direction it is jointly influenced by the misalignment angle and the parallel misalignment amount. Regarding fatigue life, the misalignment angle is the primary factor determining life variation, while the effect of parallel misalignment amount is relatively small. Overall, pitch misalignment leads to a greater deterioration in gear meshing performance and fatigue life than yaw misalignment. The findings of this study provide references for the installation, operation, and maintenance of top drive or other gear transmission systems.
Source: Engineering Failure Analysis
Authors: Feng Qiu, Dongfang Xie, Bo Wang, Qianming Fu, Bin Ding, Hang Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,820
Award: G3459708762
OpenAlex ID: W4416057894